January Baking Challenge: #FreshStart
"Join us for the January Baking Challenge! Try a new recipe, work on a baking skill you've been meaning to tackle, or start your
first sourdough starter. This month is all about fresh starts and fantastic bread. Let’s get started!"
Join the Challenge
Check out our blog
Sourdough Starter Spotlight
1Day 1-3
Combine equal parts flour and water by weight. Stir and
leave at room temperature. Look for bubbles or a light
tangy smell to start.
2Day 4-6
Discard half and feed daily (equal parts flour and water).
Observe the starter rising and falling as activity builds.
3Day 7-10
Continue daily feeding. Your starter should become
bubbly and double in size within 6–8 hours of feeding.
4Ready to Use
A healthy starter smells pleasantly tangy and doubles
reliably. It’s now ready for baking!
New to sourdough? Now's the perfect time to start! Follow our guide
Sourdough Starter 101 for step-by-step instructions, troubleshooting tips,
and more. Share your progress and connect with our Bread Squad for
support!
Feature Bakes: Yeasted Breads
Brioche Hamburger Buns
Perfect your burger game with homemade buns. These soft,
slightly sweet rolls are easier than you think and will elevate
your next cookout.
Ciabatta
Master this Italian classic with its crispy crust and airy
interior. Ideal for sandwiches or as a side to your favorite
soup or salad.
Feature Bakes: Sourdough Creations
Sourdough Baguettes
Channel your inner Parisian baker with these crusty,
flavorful baguettes. Perfect your shaping technique and
enjoy that satisfying crunch!
Sourdough Babka
Combine the tang of sourdough with the sweetness of
babka. This twisted delight is a showstopper for breakfast
or dessert.
Pre-Ferments: Building Flavor
and Strength
Why Use Pre-Ferments?
Start your dough journey with a
pre-ferment to develop complex
flavors and a stronger structure
before mixing the final dough.
Time-Saving Preparation
Pre-ferments let you do part of the
work in advance, breaking up your
baking process and making it more
manageable.
Experiment with
Versatility
Try pre-ferments in various breads,
like tangy sourdough-style loaves
or enriched doughs. Start with our
Sandwich Bread with Pre-Ferment
for a soft, flavorful loaf perfect for
everyday use.
Sandwich Bread, using a
pre-ferment
How to Participate in #FreshStart
1
Pick Your Challenge
Choose a bake or technique that's
new to you. Step out of your comfort
zone!
2
Share Your Experience
Post updates, photos, and reflections
using the hashtag #FreshStart.
3
Engage with Community
Support fellow bakers by
commenting, asking questions, and
sharing tips.
Bread Squad Support
Expert Guidance
Our experienced bakers are here to
help you troubleshoot and refine
your techniques.
Weekly Tips
Stay tuned for expert advice, new
recipes, and technique spotlights
throughout the challenge.
Community Support
Connect with fellow bakers, share
your progress, and get inspired by
others' creations.
Join the Challenge Today!
31
Days of Baking
A whole month to explore new recipes
and techniques.
5
Featured Recipes
Try our curated selection or choose your
own adventure.
36K+
Bakers Joined
Be part of our thriving community of
bread enthusiasts.
Baking Great Bread at Home
Share your baking goals for the new year in the comments below. Let's kick off the year with bold bakes, new skills, and delicious
bread!
The Most Important Tool for Bread Baking: A
Scale
One of the most common questions I get is, “What should I
buy first to get started in bread baking?” Without hesitation,
my answer is: a scale.
Many of us grew up using cups and spoons, and some of us
have baked this way for years. But if you’ve ever wondered
why your bread doesn’t turn out consistently—or why it
doesn’t meet your expectations—the issue could be your
measurements.
Cups and spoons aren’t precise enough. A cup of flour today
might weigh more or less than a cup tomorrow, depending
on how it’s scooped. This variability affects your dough and
can lead to inconsistent results. Weighing your ingredients
gives you precision and reliability every single time.
Brød & Taylor Scales
If you’re serious about bread baking, investing in a high-
quality scale is a must. I recommend these two models from
Brød & Taylor:
Kitchen Scale: Perfect for most home bakers. Compact
and reliable, it’s great for everyday baking.
High Capacity Scale: Ideal if you bake in larger quantities
or want to explore more advanced techniques.
Using a scale ensures that whether you’re following one of
my recipes or experimenting with your own, you’re starting
with the accuracy you need for success.
Kitchen Scale
High Capacity Scale
